News Release

Tuesday, January 25, 2000

Public's Assistance Needed in the Capture and Conviction of Murder

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, January 25, 2000
The Los Angeles Police Department is Seeking the Public's Help in the Capture and Conviction of Murder Suspects

On Monday, January 24, 2000, at approximately 10:40 p.m., victim #2, Ciro Noel Mendoza, 37 years of age, pulled his vehicle into a parking lot on the Northeast corner of Soto Street and Wabash Avenue to let victim #1, Pedro Navarro out. Two male Hispanics approached victim Navarro on the passenger side of the vehicle as he exited. The first suspect struck Navarro on the head with an unknown hard object. Victim Navarro attempted to re-enter the vehicle to avoid further assault. The second suspect, armed with a handgun, entered the vehicle behind Navarro and an altercation ensued between them. During the altercation inside the vehicle, the suspect fired (1) round from his weapon striking the driver, victim Mendoza, in the upper right shoulder area. Victim Mendoza lost control of his vehicle and collided with a chain link fence on the Southeast corner of Soto Street and Wabash Avenue where his vehicle came to rest.

Victim Ciro Noel Mendoza was pronounced dead at scene by Los Angeles City Rescue Ambulance 11:45 p.m., as a result of his injuries. Victim Pedro Navarro received a contusion to his head, but refused medical treatment and was released at scene.

Hollenbeck Homicide Unit is conducting the investigation. Please direct all inquiries to the Media relations Section at (213) 485-3586.